D-Day for CAT 2017 aspirants tomorrow: Last minute tips and points to remember

Here are a few last-minute tips for CAT aspirants.

A desk full of study materials, mock test papers lying in disorder, a lamp shedding its light on the messy table, and notes with shortest approach for different problems -- this is what the study table of an average CAT aspirant would be looking like.

And this scene is all part of the build-up to the date encircled on the calendar - 'November 26.'

The moment of truth is coming swiftly for students aiming to be enrolled in some of the most prestigious B-schools in the country. With the exam just hours away from now, every second that ticks makes the heart beat even faster.

Here are a few last-minute tips for CAT aspirants:

Stay confident:

After so much of hard work and toil, it is most important to stay confident. If it all seems to be too much to bear, take a break for a moment and breathe deeply to relax. This will help remove anxiety and enable you to perform at your full potential.

Target TITA Questions first:

The best strategy to adopt in the exam is to go for TITA-type (Type in the answer) questions first. These non-MCQ questions have no negative marking. So, if you attempt them first, you stand to build a decent score with every correct answer, while wrong answers will have no negative impact on your overall score.

Time management:

CAT is a relatively easy exam;the big challenge you should be focused on is time management. You have to be as efficient as possible to make the most out of the examination. Do not needlessly spend time on problems on which you are stuck, or are so complex that they require a comparatively greater amount of time. Never try to solve a question that you're not familiar with instead keep marking such questions for later review. This will help you increase your efficiency in the given time frame.

Focus on mental calculation:

Sometimes, the on-screen calculator can drag you behind, especially for easier calculations. For the remaining time, try solving easier calculations in your mind while practicing the mock drill.

Give equal importance to all sections:

Students often lose track of things due to anxiety in the examination hall. Don't forget that all sections are equally important, and need to be given adequate time. Don't get caught up in any one section and then end up losing marks elsewhere.

Make DILR your key to success:

The DILR (Data Interpretation - Logical Reasoning) section has equal weightage as the other two sections. However, it can pave the way for your success and help you achieve your desired score as it can often be done faster than your competition. Practicing the DILR questions over and over again will help you get familiarised with a range of problems and enable you to crack this section with a high score. After an intensified preparation for CAT 2017 examination, budding business professionals of tomorrow are as excited as they are nervous about the fast-approaching examination.

The nationwide exam, which becomes a definitive cornerstone for a sound academic progression and a subsequent professional success, is a true test of brilliance for lakhs of aspirants across the country.

At this crucial juncture, it is important to maintain the right approach, and you'll achieve what you've been longing for all this while.